Wristlet



R. D. MASON Aug. 23, 1938.

WRISTLET Filed larch 6, 1935 FIG. 2.

FIG. 6.

Patented Aug. 23, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 9 Claims.

My invention relates to apparel adapted to be worn around an arm, and more particularly to wristlets.

In certain games such as tennis, for example,

it is advantageous to prevent the flow of perspiration from the arm into the palm of the hand.

- It is well known that it is practically impossible to retain a firm grip on an implement of a game if the gripping hand becomes wet. Experiments 10 show that the amount of perspiration generated in the palm of the hand is insufficient to moisten the hand to such 'an extent that slippage will occur between the palm of the hand and the gripping surface of the implement. The undesirable dampening results almost entirely from a flow of perspiration down the inside of the forearm and into the palm of the hand.

It is, therefore, an object of my invention to provide an improved liquid absorbing wristlet of great durability which may be easily placed and retained in position on the arm.

A wristlet adapted to be used for the abovedescribed purpose must necessarily be compact in structure, light in weight and sufiiciently flex- 26 ible to permit unrestricted movement of the arm and hand. 7

Accordingly, it is a further object of my invention to provide a new and improved flexible porous wristlet of compact construction.

30 In accordance with my invention the above ob- Jects are attained by constructing the absorbent portion of the wristlet of a flexible porous material, such as sponge rubber. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the wristlet is of com- 85 posite structure, comprising a layer of the flexible porous material secured to a continuous elastic band. This band is of a material different from the porous absorbent material and has substantially greater durability than the porous mate- 40 rial when subjected to the repeated-stretching encountered in the normal use of the article. In one embodiment of the invention the durability of the wristlet is further enhanced by dividing the absorbent layer or lining of flexible porous 4 material into a plurality of sections to permit the elastic band to be stretched without undue stress and consequent tearing of the lining.

The novel features which I believe to be characteristic of my invention are set forth with 50 particularity in the appended claims. My invention itself, however, both as to construction and the method of using the same together with further objects and advantages thereof; may be best understood by reference to the following de J6 scription taken in connection with the accompanying drawing in which Fig. 1 shows one embodiment of my invention; Figs. 2 and 3 show respectively end and side views of an improved modification; Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view be expelled by compression of the same. Furtherit more, rubber of thisnature possesses considerable flexibility and resiliency so that a wristlet constructed of it may be easily slippedon the armover the hand and when once thus positioned cannot be easily displaced by the most violent 20 exertions. In order to give the wearer of my wristlet added comfort and freedom of movement, I have provided it with a depression or cut-out portion 2. This depression allows 'the end of the racquet, or 25 other implement, to come squarely against the upper portion of the wrist without touching the wristlet. If the racquet handle touches the wristlet as the wrist is pivoted about the forearm, freedom of action is interfered with and the handle 80 will at times compress the light sponge rubber. Even a slight compression results in an expulsion of some perspiration contained in the wristlet which tends to flow into the palm of the hand.

By providing the wristlet with a depression I have disclosed in Figs. 2, a and 4. The relatively thick lining I of flexible porous sponge rubber is 40 strengthened by a continuous elastic supporting band 3 of the same width as the lining and having an inner surface substantially coextensive with the outer surface of the lining, as illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4. I have also provided the wristlet with a depressed portion 2 which serves the same purposes here as described in connection with Fig. 1. The elastic supporting band may be secured to the sponge rubber lining by .any well known process such as cementing, vulcanizing or glueing. The elastic supporting band I prevents tearing of the sponge rubber as the wristlet is placed on, and removed from the arm, and thus enhances the durability of the wristlet. In this connection it is repeated that the band 3 is of a as material having greater elasticity than sponge rubber and substantially greater durability than sponge rubber when subjected to repeated stretching. The smooth surface of the elastic band may advantageously be used for advertising purposes and insignia of various sorts.

Even greater durability may be achieved by the use of a sectionalised inner lining of sponge rubber enclosed by an elastic supporting band. The wristlet shown in Fig. conslsts'of'a flexible and absorbent sponge rubber inner lining composed of a complement of sections I. The number of sections may of course be varied as desired to provide the necessary elasticity of. the complete structure. The wristlet is also provided with an elastic supporting band I to which the sections I' may be attached in the manner heretofore described. I have found that a simple method of sectionalizing the sponge rubber inner lining I consists in first attaching the lining to the supporting band as an integral band and then cutting it into sections as indicated at 4'.

The wristlet is shown positioned on the wrist in Fig. 6. It is apparent and experience has shown that my wristlet will absorb the perspiration or liquid tending to creep from any part of the body to the hand in a very efficient manner. In other words the exposed inner and side surfaces of the sponge rubber lining are so arranged that the lining or layer is adapted to absorb the liquid moving along the arm of the wearer. Furthermore, when the sponge rubber inner lining becomes saturated it is a simple matter to expel the perspiration therefrom without removing the wristlet from its position by squeezing the wristlet. After the perspiration has been expelled and the pressure removed from the wristlet it will resume its normal shape because of its inherent resiliency.

While I haveshown particular embodiments of my invention, it will of course be understood that I do not wish to be limited thereto since various other modifications may be made. I contemplate, by the appended claims, to cover any such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of my invention.

Having thus described my invention, what 1 claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is:-

l. A wristlet comprising a continuous elastic band and a sponge rubber lining secured to said band. said wristlet having a depression along one edge thereof.

2. A wristlet of composite structure comprising a layer of. flexible porous material and a continuous elastic band secured to said layer, said band being of substantially less thickness than said layer and being composed of a material having substantially greater durability than said porous material when subjected to repeated stretching and said layer having an exposed surface soarranged thatsaidlayeris adaptedto 'said band, said lining being divided into a plurality of. independent sections around the inner surface of said band and having an exposed surface so arranged that said lining is adapted to intercept and absorb liquid moving along the arm of a wearer.

5. A wristlet of composite structure comprising a layer of sponge rubber and a continuous elastic band having a surface substantially coextensive with and secured to a surface of said layer, said band being of a material having greater elasticity than said sponge rubber and said layer having an exposed surface so arranged that said layer is adapted to intercept and absorb liquid moving along the arm of a wearer.

6. A wristlet of composite structure comprising a layer of flexible porous material and a con tinuous elastic band secured to said layer, said layer being divided into a plurality of sections, said band being of a material having greater elasticity than said porous material, and said wristlet having a depression along one edge thereof.

7. A wristlet of composite structure comprising a layer of sponge rubber and a continuous elastic band secured to said layer, said layer being divided into a. plurality of sections, said band being of a material having greater elasticity than said sponge rubber, and said wristlet having a depression along one edge thereof.

8. A wristlet of composite structure comprising a continuous elastic band, a layer of flexible porous material secured to said band and having an exposed surface, said band being of a material having substantially greater durability than said porous material when subjected to repeated stretching, and means comprising said layer for absorbing liquid moving along the arm of a 

